Prabowo: Indonesia Likely First Asian Nation to Participate in 2025 Bastille Day Parade in Europe

JAKARTA — KOMPAS.com — President Prabowo Subianto highlighted Indonesia’s invitation to participate in the Bastille Day parade on 14 July 2025. Prabowo stated Indonesia may be the first Asian nation to take part in a European parade. “This is a great honour. We may be the first Asian country to march in Europe,” Prabowo said at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, on Thursday (28 May 2026). Prabowo also noted he has visited France three times this year. The head of state praised the warm reception and hospitality extended by French President Emmanuel Macron on each visit. “I agree, Your Majesty, Indonesia-France relations are at their best ever. We are grateful for and respect Your Majesty’s leadership, President Macron,” Prabowo said. He further praised President Macron’s international leadership, saying he has demonstrated bold and decisive stances in line with French Republic principles. Prabowo also highlighted strong cooperation between Indonesia and France across various sectors. “In several areas, Indonesia and France share similar positions, and our bilateral ties are strong thanks to President Macron’s direct support,” he stressed. Prabowo’s attendance at Bastille Day was a special invitation extended by French President Emmanuel Macron during his visit to Indonesia in late May 2025. This official invitation places Indonesia among strategic partner nations that have received similar honours throughout Bastille Day’s long history. The tradition of inviting world leaders as honoured guests at the Bastille Day parade began symbolically in the late 20th century. Prabowo’s status as an honoured guest is evident from his position beside President Macron.